The Western Australian Government has signed off on the project under the State Agreement, which enables for major work to begin on the South Flank project - located 120 kilometres north west of Newman.

The multi-billion dollar project will involve the construction of an 80Mtpa crushing and screening plant, an overland conveyor system, stockyard and loading facilities as well as the sourcing of new mining fleet, substantial mine development and pre-strip works.

The South Flank mine will be replacing production from the Yandi mine, which is nearing the end of its economic life.

The development is projected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs - around 2,500 jobs during construction and up to 600 ongoing positions once the mine is operational.

The State Government will continue working closely with BHP to ensure that opportunities are maximised for local content and local businesses.

“This project is a positive injection into Western Australia in terms of improving confidence and benefiting the State’s economy.

“BHP’s decision, with its joint venture partners, to go ahead with the South Flank Project is testimony that Western Australia is a secure and attractive place to invest,” Premier Mark McGowan said.

South Flank is expected to have a mine life of approximately 25 years. BHP is aiming to begin production at the mine in 2021.